Key facts
- Israeli strikes killed six Palestinians, including a child, in Gaza on Monday.
- The Israeli military expanded the area under its control in Gaza.
- Mediators in Cairo are continuing efforts to salvage a U.S.-brokered ceasefire deal.
- Hamas and other Palestinian groups demand Israel end attacks and retreat forces.
- A Hamas official stated Israel has refused to commit to mediators' demands.
Israeli strikes killed six Palestinians, including a child, in the Gaza Strip on Monday, according to health officials, as the Israeli military expanded the area under its control. Mediators in Cairo are continuing efforts to salvage a fragile U.S.-brokered ceasefire deal that has seen major clashes subside but left key points unresolved.
Two people were killed near a tent encampment in Khan Younis, and three others, including an eight-year-old boy, died in an airstrike in the Jabalia refugee camp. Later, one person was killed and three wounded in a strike near Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir Al-Balah, bringing Monday's death toll to six. The Israeli military did not immediately comment on the reports.
Witnesses reported Israeli forces placing new markers and concrete blocks closer to populated tent areas, expanding the "Yellow Zone" under their control. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed his directive for the military to expand its hold and take control of 70% of the enclave. Israeli troops currently control over 60% of Gaza's territory, with nearly the entire population of 2 million living in a coastal strip.
Leaders of Hamas and other Palestinian groups told mediators that Israel must end attacks to allow discussion on the second phase of a deal. They demanded more aid flow and the retreat of Israeli forces to original October ceasefire lines. A Hamas official stated Israel has refused to commit to mediators' demands, including ending attacks and allowing agreed-upon aid into Gaza.